Gerard Pique hails Everton's John Stones as the 'new generation' of ball playing defenders

WHEN Gerard Pique named his best team in the world he didn't need to think twice about who he wanted alongside him - John Stones.

The Barcelona superstar, rated one of the best centre backs in the world, hailed Everton's young defensive rock as one of the "new generation" of ball playing defenders he predicts will dominate in the future.

Had it not been for the horrors in Paris a bevy of scouts from Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus were planning to be at the Wembley friendly against France to run the rule over a 21-year-old tipped to become one of the best defenders England has produced for years. And probably their leader.

After his head boy ran the show at West Ham last week his manager Roberto Martinez said: "We had five defenders injured so even though he is so young he had to lead the back four. That was where I was most impressed.

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"In terms of his Premier League experience John Stones was immense.

"We have worked really hard in the last six transfer windows to bring in young players with world class talent and that is what we have done. John is one of them.

"We have no worries about attracting attention in players like John Stones."

But how long Everton can continue to resist growing interest in a bargain player they plucked from Barnsley for £3million two years ago is another matter.

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Everton's John Stones has been named in Gerard Pique's best team in the world

Pique, who has won every major honour with Barcelona and Spain, has named Stones alongside himself and Sergio Ramos in a glittering world XI, that also includes Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, David de Gea, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta

He said: "John Stones is a really, really, good player. He will have a good career."

Pique, largely regarded as one of the classiest defenders in the modern game, believes Stones is out of the same mould.

He added: “Being a centre-back is not just about defending or being nasty or tough. It’s about knowing how to play football, control the ball, pass and be more comfortable in possession.

"This is something they didn't understand in England 10 years ago, but now there is Stones.

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Pique has hailed Stones as being part of the 'new generation' of ball playing defenders

"He is one of the new generation who understand football not just as a defender.”

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic reinforced the growing interest in Stones, saying: "I watched Everton playing Newcastle two years ago when I was in Turkey and he was magnificent then.

"He was so calm and composed on the ball for one so young and he is a quality player who wants to pass the ball well."

In the meantime Everton are preparing for the time when they may ultimately have to let Stones go, and have have snapped up Bury's 17-year-old defender Matthew Foulds, who only signed professional terms last February.

Foulds, who is regarded as one of the best prospects outside of the Premier League, will move to Goodison in January after Everton beat off interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham for him.